Chapter 45: Happy Birthday
The annual Halloween feast did little to brighten my spirits. I sat at the teachers' table, observing the young Gryffindors as they talked and laughed. I stared at the seats at the far end, that were once occupied by James, Sirius, Peter, Lily, Erin and I. Oddly enough, on that particular night, every one of those seats remained empty. I could almost picture the six of us sitting there, discussing pranks, cracking jokes that made half of the table laugh hysterically, and trying to keep straight faces as we watched the results of our latest prank on Severus Snape. I sighed. All of that seemed so far away now. We'd been so young, so carefree. Now our world had become plagued with worry, so that there was room for nothing else.
What hurt me the most was that Sirius had practically accused me of being a Death Eater. Who knew if the other's believed? But I had a strange feeling that I was suspected. But it wasn't me. So I had to wonder, who was it?
The thunder cracked and the lightning flashed throughout the dimly lit Great Hall. Black clouds rolled across the once clear, starry sky.
Dumbledore dismissed the students to bed, and the teachers soon followed. I struggled to sleep that night. Perhaps because the thunder and the wind were so loud. Perhaps because of something else.
The next morning I awoke and prepared for my first period class as usual. Faithful old Jeremy arrived right at his usual time, carrying a bundle of letters. I collected my mail from him, quickly stroking his feathers and dismissing him. I flipped through the letters, selecting one and tearing it open.
Moony,
Happy Birthday! I hope you are well. I wanted to let you know that I'm sorry about the other day. I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions. Everything is going fine with the plan. That's about all I can say in case this is intercepted.
Padfoot
Feeling greatly relieved, I picked up the next envelope. Inside was a card from Addi. There was one final letter; it felt thick. I tore the envelope open. A singing card popped out. Several of the first years who had trickled in to class stared in amazement. I opened the card. Sure enough, it was from James, Lily and Harry.
Happy Birthday, Moony! We love you! Was written on the inside. Two folded pieces of paper also fell out. The first was a drawing of what appeared to be balloons, by Harry. I smiled at his scribbled signature at the bottom; he'd obviously been helped by Lily. The second was a brief note from James.
Moony,
Hi. Can't say much. Just wanted to let you know that we're all doing okay. We've got a plan that will definitely work out. I can't explain here; perhaps Padfoot can stop by sometime and explain. We're all well; there's been no sign of any danger. We've lasted this long, so I'm certain we can make it the rest of the way. Hopefully this won't last much longer and we'll be able to see you soon.
Happy Birthday!
Sincerely,
Prongs
I placed the letters in a stack on my desk, feeling thoroughly relieved. Everything was going to be all right. I smiled at the class of first years seated in front of me.
"Okay, if all of you would open your books to page 137, we'll begin..." I was interrupted by a knock at the door. "Come in!"
Dumbledore peeked into the room.
"Professor Lupin, could I have a word with you in the hallway, please?" I walked to the door, oblivious to Dumbledore's saddened face and solemn tone.